Salman Rushdie is set to delve into the harrowing experience of the onstage attack that left him blind in one eye and with a damaged hand, per standard.co.uk.
Scheduled as part of the Southbank Centre’s Spring Literature and Spoken Word Season, the event will feature candid reflections from Rushdie as he discusses his memoir Knife: Meditations After An Attempted Murder. This virtual event, organised in partnership with human rights organisation English Pen, promises to shed light on the author’s resilience in the face of adversity. Alongside Rushdie, notable figures such as Nobel Literature laureate Kazuo Ishiguro and drag queen RuPaul will also grace the series of events, making it a must-attend occasion for literary enthusiasts.
Scheduled from March to June, the festival boasts an eclectic mix of discussions, performances and readings, catering to a diverse audience eager to immerse themselves in the world of literature and ideas.
Aside from the exclusive UK event featuring Rushdie in a hybrid format accessible globally via live stream, joining him is Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro, along with jazz singer Stacey Kent, set to celebrate their longstanding collaboration with an enthralling blend of interview and live music.
Adding a touch of glamour and wit to the proceedings, according to thebookseller.com, is international drag sensation RuPaul, who will take the stage alongside twice Booker-shortlisted Nigerian novelist Chigozie Obioma. Their presence ensures a lively and thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of identity, culture, and storytelling.
Not to be outdone, writer Maggie Nelson will engage in a captivating conversation about her latest work Like Love, accompanied by writer and journalist Shon Faye. The festival also promises a deep dive into pressing societal issues with sessions featuring disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring and political commentator Grace Blakeley.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. An array of events awaits, including an evening with Rough Trade Books featuring Jarvis Cocker and Sara Pascoe’s uproarious celebration of her debut novel “Weirdo.”
Ted Hodgkinson, the head of literature and spoken word at Southbank Centre, expressed his enthusiasm for the season, describing it as a platform for shedding new light on iconic cultural figures and fostering meaningful dialogue about the world we inhabit.
With tickets already on sale, anticipation is high for what promises to be a season brimming with intellectual stimulation and artistic inspiration.
